You will need a PC on which to build the mediascape and to edit content, and a PDA for testing/experiencing the mediascape (preferably with an attached GPS device, or even better, integrated GPS).
Each small group should have a PC on which to build their mediascape and to edit their content, and preferably at least one PDA/GPS set for testing. The suggested minimum is one PDA set per 6 students.
Technical specs
PDAs running Pocket PC with optional GPS devices (or even better, integrated GPS). Minimum: 32mb RAM, 6mb of free disk space, and with a 400Mhz processor recommended
You need a PC to create the mediascape before saving it onto the PDA. The recommended specification for running the mediascape building software is:
Windows PC running Windows XP or Windows 2000
128mb RAM or above
500Mhz Processor or above
Macromedia Flash MX or above installed if Flash is to be used as the Graphical User Interface
Pocket PC Dock - ActiveSync software installed
PDAs
A handheld computer (PDA) is needed for testing, displaying and sharing the mediascapes outdoors. (Pocket PC 2003 based portable computer with 32mb RAM, 6mb of free disk space, and with a 400Mhz processor recommended). The PDA will need to be able to attach to a GPS unit via either cable or Bluetooth.
The easiest sort of PDA to use is one that has integrated GPS. This will cut the amount of time that you have to spend on technical set up of kit for every session. The next best thing is a GPS unit that fits into the compact flash slot on the PDA. Other options are having a PDA that is attached to a GPS unit via either cable or Bluetooth. Bluetooth gets a bit harder when you have a lot of PDAs and GPS units to connect at the same time. Don't forget that if you don't have GPS you can still use a mediascape because you can click on the screen to tell the PDAs when you are at a specific location.
The PDA connects to the PC using a cradle, and (depending on its specification) may also be able to connect to other devices using infrared, Bluetooth, or a wireless network. PDAs are able to store enough data for most sizes of mediascapes, especially if they have a storage card (SD card), and battery life is usually long enough for a day's work, with easy recharging in a cradle.
A GPS device is not necessary when building the mediascape, but is useful for testing content in-situ i.e. in its intended location, especially if you want the content to trigger automatically as you walk around outdoors rather than having to click on the PDA screen to give a position. You need to be able to connect the GPS unit to your PDA.
Tip: When getting equipment ready (GPS, PDA) don't leave charging batteries to the last minute.
Sound and image editing
To make your sound and image files for using in the mediascape, you need to be able to 'capture' content and then edit it.
PDAs with integral cameras can capture sound and images. Otherwise you will need access to sound recording equipment (digital is easier because you can transfer directly to the PC for editing), digital cameras, or video cameras (video can be edited, with stills used as images, and the soundtrack used as audio files). The more portable the better - then students can take equipment home/out to other places, which is especially useful for oral reminiscence projects when they are collecting stories from their community.
To edit the sounds and images and to build the mediascape you will need a desktop or laptop PC with enough memory to be able to process and work with sound and image files, and to be able to connect to a PDA unit, using USB / wireless network / Bluetooth / infrared.